Research Fellow in Extra-galactic Astrophysics Ref 7933

School/department: Mathematical and Physical Sciences/Physics & Astronomy
Hours: Full time or part time hours considered up to a maximum of 1.0 FTE
Requests for flexible working options will be considered (subject to business need).
Contract: fixed term for 1 year 
Reference: 7933
Salary: starting at £34,304 to £40,927 per annum, pro rata if part time
Placed on: 15 February 2022
Closing date: 20 April 2022. Applications must be received by midnight of the closing date.
Expected start date: As soon as possible.  

Job description

The University of Sussex invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in extra-galactic astrophysics. 

You will explore the evolving demographics of galaxies and their star formation. You will use the latest data from many of the deepest extragalactic surveys including, in the very near future, the COSMOS-Web observations with the James Webb Space Telescope. One distinctive focus will be to include the lower resolution far infrared data from, in particular, the Herschel surveys, using the Sussex hierarchical modelling tool XID+. You will work with multi-wavelength survey data to understand the galaxy populations and their evolution. Other premium data sets you’ll have access to include surveys with the SKA pathfinders LOFAR and MeerKAT.

You will develop your own science programmes focused on star-forming galaxies, characterising their demographics, origins and energetics, e.g. the role of environment and Active Galactic Nuclei in triggering and suppressing star formation. You will create your own follow-up programmes and contribute to and benefit from those run by others.

You will bring a broad range of skills in extragalactic survey science and a good track record of high quality scientific research. You'll be a creative and cooperative researcher. You'll be keen to explore novel statistical methods to get the best science from the data sets. 

There will be opportunities to branch out on interdisciplinary research projects through the Data Intensive Science Centre at the University of Sussex, e.g. with the AstroCast project forecasting drought in Kenya.

This project is funded by the Science Technology Facilities Council (STFC) under the Astronomy Centre’s consolidated grant. The Astronomy Centre has a fantastic combination of theoretical, numerical and observational expertise, focused on extragalactic science (see http://astronomy.sussex.ac.uk).

Please contact Seb Oliver, S.Oliver@sussex.ac.uk for informal enquiries.

Download job description and person specification Ref 7933 [PDF 210.98KB]

The University of Sussex values the diversity of its staff and students and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

You can find out more about our values and our EDI Strategy,  Inclusive Sussex, on our webpages.

The University requires that work undertaken for the University is performed from the UK. 

Visa Sponsorship Queries:

This role has been assigned an eligible SOC code and meets the salary requirements for Skilled Worker Sponsorship. Please consult our Skilled Worker Visa information page  for further information about Visa Sponsorship.

Please note that this position may be subject to ATAS clearance if you require visa sponsorship.

How to apply

Download our academic application form [DOC 199.50KB] and Personal Details and Equal Opportunities Form [DOC 119.50KB] and fill in all sections.

Email your completed application, and personal details and equal opportunities form, to mpsrecruitment@sussex.ac.uk

You should attach your application form and all documents to the email in PDF format (we are unable to accept applications as google.docs or .pages) and use the format job reference number / job title / your name in the subject line.

You can also send your application by post to Human Resources Division, Sussex House, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9RH.

You might also be interested in: